Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)
| Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1989–2001 213,089 built |
| Designer |
Bruno Sacco Johann Tomforde |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car / Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.8 L 193 hp (144 kW) I6 2.8 L 204 hp (152 kW) V6 3.0 L 190 hp (142 kW) I6 3.0 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 5.0 L 326 hp (243 kW) V8 5.0 L 306 hp (228 kW) V8 5.5L 354 hp (264 kW) AMG V8 6.0 L 381 hp (284 kW) AMG V8 6.0 L 394 hp (294 kW) V12 7.0 L 496 hp (370 kW) AMG V12 7.3L 525 hp (391 kW) AMG V12 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4G-TRONIC 5-speed 5G-TRONIC 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99.0 in (2,515 mm) |
| Length | 1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm) 1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm) 1992–96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm) |
| Width | 71.3 in (1,811 mm) |
| Height | 1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm) 1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz R107 |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz R230 |
The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL roadsters were produced from 1989 through 2002. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.
The R129 was produced as a two-door, two-seat roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), collapsible textile roof, with a shell-like, color-matched, tonneau cover. All R129s came standard with an aluminum detachable hardtop that was fitted by folding the canvas roof down and manually attaching the hardtop.
Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping (Adaptive Damping System ADS, optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. The R107's rather dated rear diagonal swing axle gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and hydraulic convertible top.
Starting in 1993 for the 1994 model year, R129 were re-designated. For example, 500 SL became SL 500. Starting in model year 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as the Mille Miglia edition cars of model year 1994 or the SL edition of model year 2000.
1994 cars (for 1995 model year) had minor updates for the car
1995 onwards R129s for the 1996 model year featured a minor facelift for the car:
During 1996 for model year 1997, cars were the first year to have an option of the panoramic roof. Also newly available:
A second facelift occurred in 1998 for model year 1999 which featured:
Initially, there were three different engines available,
and joined in July 1992 by the
There was a choice of 5-speed manual or 4–5 speed automatic for the six-cylinder cars; the V8 and V12 could only be ordered with an 4-speed automatic gearbox.
In Autumn 1993 Mercedes-Benz rearranged names and models. Also, the 300 SL and 300 SL-24 were respectively replaced by:
...
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